Top Breeds

Working Dog Breeds

Dogs classified in the Working Group are breeds that were developed to perform jobs for their human owners. They have been invaluable over the centuries, performing water rescues, saving lives in blizzards, guarding property and more. The Great Dane, Saint Bernard, Siberian Husky and Doberman Pincher are just a few of these working dog breeds.

Working dogs are noted for their strength and intelligence. They are easily trained and well-suited for the jobs they perform. Many working dogs make good solid companions and are often family pets. However, these dogs are the most content when they are doing a job. Some may be unsuitable for the average family because of their large size and strength. Larger working dogs that are chosen to be family pets will need to be well-trained. They will need a large fenced-in yard and provided with plenty of exercise to replace the jobs they were bred for.

Noble and courageous, the Akita is a strong, independent, and dominant working breed that originated in Japan. Although it is often referred to as the “Great Japanese Dog,” the breed has recently grown in popularity in the United State

Often referred to as the English Mastiff due to its origins in Britain, the Mastiff is among the largest dog breeds and is considered the single largest breed in terms of body mass. As an equal combination of grandeur and good nature with a docile

A massive body, head and bone structure gives the Neapolitan Mastiff a serious demeanor. This large and powerful dog is quite docile in spite of its fierce appearance. The breed is recognized by its huge size, loose skin and the many wrinkles and&

Farm dogs by heritage, Bernese Mountain Dogs are the only variety of the Swiss Mountain Dog breeds that possess a long, silky coat that helps the hardy dog thrive in cold climates. Well-known for its high level of intelligence, strength, agility,&

An impressively large dog with a noble appearance, the Tibetan Mastiff is known to be a conversation starter and a traffic stopper walking down the street. Along with the dog’s large size, the Tibetan Mastiff possess all of the qualities tha

The Boxer breed is one of the most popular working dog breeds for human companionship. They are of medium weight and well-known for getting along well with children and other pets. Patient and spirited, they are also very protective and make good watch dogs. They don't require a lot of grooming, but like all working dogs they do require exercise.

Some working dogs are invaluable to farmers for herding and protecting livestock. In Australia and New Zealand, any dog trained to work livestock is considered to be a working dog regardless of its breeding. In the United States, the Working Dog classification is used to describe dogs that have been bred to perform jobs other than hunting or herding.

For general purposes, the description of working dog can be used to identify any dog that performs actions on a regular basis from managing cattle to performing tricks and earning money for the trainer. Service animals such as those who assist the blind may also be considered as a working dog by this definition.